Creamy New England-Style Clam Chowder

Name: Creamy New England-Style Clam Chowder
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon (diced); 1 cup yellow onion (diced (about 1 medium onion)); 1 cup celery (diced (about 2 stalks)); 1 cup leeks (sliced thinly (about 1 large leek)); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups red potatoes (diced (about 1 lb.)); 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or stock; 3/4 cup clam juice (bottled is fine); 1/2 - 3/4 Tbsp dried thyme; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 dried bay leaves; 1 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce; 2 - 3 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped or minced clams (drained); 4 cups half and half; sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)